Some Long Winded Info
Rick et al,
Thanks for the help. I have been hunting on the net for about a week trying to figure out most of the information on these old folders as possible. Here are some links which I have found helpful - which may save others some headaches (translate as needed):
http://www.ukcamera.com/classic_cameras/shutpronto.html
http://www.kamera-geschichte.de/files/verschluss1_d.htm
All of these folders look damn near the same, but they appear to have different names stamped on them, wtih different lens/shutter combos (Think Honda = Acura...Or for this purpose, VW = Audi). From what I have found, all of the early Balda folders had 2 leaf shutters manufactured by AGC. I assume that the earliest were the aforementioned 3 speed Pronto (1908 design), or some I have found had a Compur (Although I do not know if these were origional on a Balda, as most of the Compurs were the higher quality/priced shutter). The Vario looks to be of the same stamping and design of the Pronto, with the omission of a self-timer.
Im also thinking that the early ones were all 6x9 format, as all of the cameras I have found that had the 6x4.5 insert were coupled with later Prontor (s) (II) shutters. This would also make all of the early Prontos the same size (size 0 I was told..30mm middle element threads), as they would all have over a 100mm lens for the format. (mine has a 10.5cm Rodenstock, 710,xxx, ca. 1935).
Again, all of this is a shot in the dark, just a reiteration of the information I have found by looking around on the net.
Regards,